Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teacher (2026-2027)

Joliet Public Schools District 86, Washington - Joliet, Illinois.

Job ID: 5688170
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: May 04, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

POSITION: Special Education Teacher

POSITION GUIDE: Certified Personnel, 9 months, Bargaining Unit Position, Non-Exempt

Salary and Benefits: In accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the Board of School Inspectors of School District 86, Will County, Illinois, and the Council #86 of the American Federation of Teachers- Local 604 of School District #86 (see Teachers Contract).

Maximum 10 years full-time Certified Teaching Experience.

REPORTS TO: Principal, Assistant Principal

RELATES TO: District Administrators, Program Coordinator, Student Service Coordinator, Special Service Coordinator, Other faculty and staff, Parents, PTA and Community Groups

FUNCTION: To help students toward the fulfillment of their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and psychological growth and maturation.

The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties performed by the individual holding this position may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Educator License with Self Contained General Education and LBS1 Endorsement or Required Endorsement. Knowledge of Teach Philosophy. Knowledge of behavior management and data collection for autism students. Knowledge of best practices for students with autism. Must be NCLB Highly Qualified. Demonstrated capabilities in leadership, public and community relations, academic competence. Must possess effective behavior management skills. Must be able to structure a classroom to maximize student learning. Must be able to establish effective communication skills with a variety of stakeholders.

SUPERVISES DIRECTLY

Students assigned to the building, student teachers, paraprofessional, volunteer classroom aides.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Planning

• The teacher shall prepare plans and demonstrate a sense of long-term planning according to the District Framework.
• The teacher shall demonstrate a sequence of learning goals and objectives in the development of lessons, units, and course objectives.
• The teacher shall clearly state high standards for learning and let the students know they are expected to meet those standards.
• The teacher shall plan for effective use of time on task.
• The teacher shall organize activities so that materials, equipment, and assignments are ready and accessible for students to use.
• The teacher shall plan for the systematic evaluation of lesson and unit activities.

Instructional Methods

• The teacher shall state the objectives to be presented.
• The teacher shall present the lessons logically and clearly.
• The teacher shall incorporate a variety of instructional materials and techniques.
• The teacher shall use appropriate levels of questioning to evaluate student understanding to achieve a high rate of success.
• The teacher shall summarize the main point(s) of the lesson at the end of the instructional activity.
• The teacher shall give evidence of planning and preparation.
• The teacher shall show respect for students' opinions and suggestions.
• The teacher shall recognize and attempt to provide for individual differences.

Classroom Management

• The teacher shall establish and maintain a pleasant, orderly, and positive classroom atmosphere.
• The teacher shall provide proper supervision and appropriate discipline.
• The teacher shall be considerate and fair in dealing with students.
• The teacher shall demand, demonstrate, and encourage respect for materials, equipment, facility, and classroom appearance.
• The teacher shall utilize class time in a constructive manner.
• The teacher shall be punctual in meeting classes and/or supervisory assignments.

Instructional Competency

• The teacher shall demonstrate a thorough and complete knowledge of the subject matter being taught.
• The teacher shall demonstrate an ability to provide relevant examples of concepts to promote the learning of new skills.
• The teacher shall prepare appropriate testing materials for the evaluation of student progress.
• The teacher shall implement feedback on daily assignments and test results promptly.
• The teacher shall keep up-to-date and adequate records of each student's achievement.
• The teacher shall follow building and district evaluation policies.

Case Management

• The teacher shall participate in IEP meetings for students in the program or those being considered for the program.
• The teacher shall act as the case manager.
• The teacher shall develop and monitor IEP goals.
• The teacher shall monitor the delivery of related services for students on the caseload.
• The teacher shall complete regular progress monitoring.
• The teacher shall formally report progress to parents as often as is done for regular education students.
• The teacher shall complete the annual inventory.
• The teacher shall engage in two-way communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress.
• The teacher shall maintain high, realistic academic and behavioral expectations for students.

Professionalism

The teacher shall maintain daily hours set by the school district and set a satisfactory record of attendance. The teacher shall be an active participant in curriculum development, individually and with colleagues. The teacher shall be involved in personal professional growth through a continuing education program or an individually devised set of objectives or disciplines. The teacher shall exhibit a positive attitude that promotes good rapport among colleagues, students, and parents. The teacher shall complete assigned tasks on schedule and maintain efficient records. The teacher shall exhibit cooperation and good judgment of student activities. The teacher shall treat information about students and families confidentially. The teacher shall be a positive role model for the students. The teacher shall follow all building and district policies and guidelines. The teacher shall perform such other tasks as may be assigned by the principal, special services coordinator, or director.

Communication Skills

• Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback.
• Ability to compose correspondence, reports, and other required written materials.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, inquiries, and complaints.
• Displays courtesy, tact, and respect when dealing with others.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to perform basic math using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals consistent with the duties of this position.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and information furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to identify and define the problem(s), collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Maintains appropriate confidentiality.
• Promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships; demonstrates commitment to teamwork.
• Ability to learn and utilize office equipment, computers, and software especially as systems are updated.
• Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple demands at one time, work with frequent interruptions, and perform duties at expected levels of professionalism.
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to perform duties in compliance with all district, board, state, and federal laws, methods, requirements, policies, procedures, and activities pertinent to the duties of this position.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate files and records.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters when performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. Employee experiences constant interruptions and inflexible deadlines. The noise level in this environment is quiet to moderate. Duties are performed primarily indoors and occasionally outdoors. In-district and out-of-town travel required as necessary for training and/or to carry out duties and responsibilities.

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• DR. JUDITH NASH, ASSIST. SUPERINTENDENT OF HR
• JPS DISTRICT 86
• Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
• Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

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